Gcina Mhlophe is a national South African treasure who grew up in the Transkei. A well-known freedom fighter, activist, actor, poet, playwright, director, author and storyteller, she credits her grandmother for instilling in her a love of storytelling. She explains, "When I was growing up, half the kids in our neighbourhood would come and spend the evening at home so that they could listen to izinganekwane (tales)."

Gcina has appeared in theatres around the world from Soweto to London. Much of her work has been translated into many languages and she has travelled extensively in Africa and globally giving sought-after storytelling workshops. On this special album Mhlophe shares some of her stories and songs with us.

Storytelling is a deeply traditional activity in Africa and Gcina does most of it through charismatic performances, working to preserve storytelling as a means of keeping history alive and encouraging children to read. Watching Gcina her perform is an experience that a child will never forget.  She says, "I love sharing my songs and stories with others but my favourite way of relating them is the ancient way of my people- telling them face to face, in front of a live audience.  Oh, the thrill of seeing faces reacting to what you are saying; of feeling the energy go from storyteller to audience and back again!"

How did the Tortoise win respect? What happened with Jabulani and the Lion? Mhlophe's delightful stories and songs in English and African languages, meld folklore, information, current affairs and idiom. Give your kids the gift of African traditional stories and songs guaranteed to enthrall and entertain them. Gcina says, "I hope that this album will carry some of that thrill to you, the listener, and that you, too, will feel a story or a song awaken inside you and find yourself wishing to tell it to others. Yes, you! Because every living being has a story to tell. Let's keep passing on the magic."